Robb Jensen
08-08-08, 07:32
Tips and words of wisdom from the Brian Enos forum (various members there wrote these).
Avoid standing reloads whenever possible. Always plan the stage so you can reload while moving.
Dry Firing every night will drastically increase your confidence level when you get on the line.
You must practice strong and weak hand shooting on a regular basis. You don't want to be surprised by this at a match. I've seen grown men cry...
If you wish to excel at IPSC shooting, you must seek out your weaknesses and make them strengths, or at the very least, non-issues.
When planning a stage, look at it from many angles. Don't discount an irregular path through the stage, it may save time.
Shoot for points.
You must learn to call your shots on steel with confidence. Waiting for them to fall takes time. Calling all shots is important, but steel is crucial.
You can break fault lines if you don't shoot while outside them. The good shooters at your club will most likely be glad to help you...if you just ask.
Your draw and reload must be consistent and sure, even if not lighting fast. A blown reload is disaster for a speed shoot or classifier.
Trust your skills and shoot at a pace where you're able to see everything you need to see. Never go too fast.
Don't trust how fast something "feels". Use a timer to check which mental state gives you the best times.
If you shoot a revolver, practice reloads a lot.
Overconfidence leads to minimal awareness. Try not to lose interest in the shooting that's happening right now, because you've overpracticed.
Stay hungry. Never be just "satisfied."
Listen to everyone.
Have someone experienced critique your style and execution.
He who will sacrifice the most for the battle will win every time.
Learn to harness your own ability to be aware of everything that happens while shooting. That includes visual, auditory and spatial.
Have fun. If you want to get mad at yourself, take up golf.
Learn humility, and learn from it.
Smooth really is fast.
During major matches don't shoot outside your comfort zone.
If you make a game plan, stick with it.
Watch the super squad every chance you get. Don't just ape them but observe and evaluate.
Learn how to build an accurate shot.
In practice try to go full out, just to see what its like, and then try to go even faster.
Try the 50 yd+ shots in the routine.
Don't get brought down by somebody elses bad attitude, if they don't want to try, then that's their problem.
Full mags all the time, do not put empty ones back in your belt.
Make sure you see all the targets before you shoot and know your plan to shoot them.
If reloading your own ammo, know that it is all good, if in doubt buy an electronic scale and weigh it, and chamber check it.
Have an "on the line" routine especially in practice, go through in your mind the same thought everytime before the timer starts.
Zero the sights.
Understand the COF, and know what has to be done.
Calling your shots saves time.
When you shoot faster than you can see you are gambling.
The more you practice the "hard" shots in practice, the better the nerves are on match day.
Never take anything for granted, make sure you know everything is A OK.
Whiners SUCK!!! It is about getting to shoot guns and have fun, right? Leave the bad attitudes at home.
You cannot miss fast enough.
Find a spot on the target. Shoot that spot.
Learn how to stop smoothly and be shooting when or before you stop. (this is my current "thing")
Don't look for bullet holes!!!
Pick one or two things you want to improve and think about them all the time. If you can't visualize yourself doing the "thing", it is very hard to actually do it.
Too many people "tune out" the RO when they are preparing too shoot. Always pay close attention to the RO when you come to the line. Look them straight in the eyes when they are taking to you. Nod your head or whatever, but communicate with the RO. This will save you MUCH GRIEF someday.
If you aren't having fun, you are doing "something" wrong.
If you're shooting minor, you MUST get A's.
Aim small, miss small.
Make a checklist for your match gear so you don't spend the drive wondering if you forgot something.
Bring water and a lite snack to keep your energy up.
Plan ahead for colder and warmer weather than you're expecting.
If you're planning an unconventionally angled shot, ask the RO BEFORE you shoot if HE considers it a 180 violation. It's too late afterwards.
Dry fire groups on tiny targets in addition to your action dry fire drills. It helps more than know.
You must be able to shoot on the move with conidence.
You need positive actions in your head, not negative ones. Think, "I will hit the A zone twice" NOT, "I better not hit the no shoot."
Don't be afraid to challenge the RO on a hit. You might win. If you know it's there, argue for it politely and professionally.
Have you stage plan DOWN. A well executed plan always beats a miracle plan than you can barely remember. Confidience is in simplicity.
None enough practice enough.
Bring equipment that works. Never show up to a match with the same "stuff" that didn't work last time. Know that you gun, ammo and mags function.
Learn to call the shot. Know where the bullet will hit by reading the sights.
It is impossible to miss if the sights are in proper alignment with each other and the target...when the bullet leaves the barrel.
Most all the things that are blamed on equipment...turn out to be the shooter. (But hey...we need a good reason to buy new stuff!)
Progress comes from within.
Never do a standing reload. They are worse than misses.
Misses suck! You get no points...you just waste time. Use your time to get hits.
Take however much time you need to get a "good hit".
I "hope" is a miss.
A "good hit" in Minor power factor is an Alpha. A "good hit" in Major is a Charlie or better.
There are no Charlie hits on steel.
Economy of motion is vital.
Shoot ammo that you KNOW makes major PF, not ammo that you HOPE makes major PF. Cutting it close is not worth the anxiety.
"Equipment that works" does not necessarily mean the most expensive equipment. It just needs to work, every time, regardless of cost.
Spend most of your shooting budget on ammo, not new guns.
The most important shot on the stage is the one you're taking NOW!
While drawing, keep your shoulders level, don't move head too much.
When transitioning from target-to-target, keep your upper body position the same. Rotate at the hips, waist, knees, ankles and toes.
Give yourself an advantage. Drink water, eat sensibly, get into the shade.
Think positive. You know you can do it, so just do it!
Think about every little thing while practicing.
Don't think at all during the match ---->trust.
Think positive thoughts. Leave your Ego at home.
Learn something new at every match.
Have fun, you are not at work.
Never change anything before a match. I had squadmates at the Nationals buying the latest/greatest techmo device and putting it on on the safety area. Stupid.
On the first stage turn it back to 90%. In fact try that for the whole match.
Know your split times since that's the only way to say is A or B faster.
Practice accuracy relentlessly. If not, you will not win, it will catch up with you.
Buy a wagon, cart or gun bearer. A chair is good too.
Relax.
Negative thought and people are to be avoided.
A clean gun/glasses/equipment is an advantage.
Don't get hung up on a .8 draw. That won't win a match by itself.
Pro Grip/Grip tape/modified grip Nuff said.
Reloading is a skill. Get good at it. Its part of the win.
Thank your RO.
When your plan goes away. Relax and shoot the sight. Don't rush or try to make up time. You will lose then.
Never give up. Your competition could also have a 20 second jam on the next stage.
Shoot with confidence. Confidence is developed in practice and is NOT cockiness.
Don't be afraid to ask someone better or worse than you for advice. I would lean more to the better but when you quit learning, well....
NEVER "double tap" a target. Each shot gets it's own sight picture.
When you get GOOD, share what you know. That's how you pay back those that helped you.
Pay attention, to everything at all times.
When you make a mistake or blow a stage, or even tank a match...Find something to learn from it and move on.
When all else fails. Shoot the sights, no matter what.
Keep your mind open.
Once you get a stage plan in your head, do not change it after watching another shooter do something differently. UNLESS...you are absolutely CERTAIN you can apply it without any hesitation or uncertainty. The plan you have SET is almost always better.
If you arrive early to help set up a club match, you can really get a good feel for the stages. And, it's the right thing to do.
And lastly but not least from me. "Aligning the sights correctly for the first shot is faster than having to make up for a miss!"
Avoid standing reloads whenever possible. Always plan the stage so you can reload while moving.
Dry Firing every night will drastically increase your confidence level when you get on the line.
You must practice strong and weak hand shooting on a regular basis. You don't want to be surprised by this at a match. I've seen grown men cry...
If you wish to excel at IPSC shooting, you must seek out your weaknesses and make them strengths, or at the very least, non-issues.
When planning a stage, look at it from many angles. Don't discount an irregular path through the stage, it may save time.
Shoot for points.
You must learn to call your shots on steel with confidence. Waiting for them to fall takes time. Calling all shots is important, but steel is crucial.
You can break fault lines if you don't shoot while outside them. The good shooters at your club will most likely be glad to help you...if you just ask.
Your draw and reload must be consistent and sure, even if not lighting fast. A blown reload is disaster for a speed shoot or classifier.
Trust your skills and shoot at a pace where you're able to see everything you need to see. Never go too fast.
Don't trust how fast something "feels". Use a timer to check which mental state gives you the best times.
If you shoot a revolver, practice reloads a lot.
Overconfidence leads to minimal awareness. Try not to lose interest in the shooting that's happening right now, because you've overpracticed.
Stay hungry. Never be just "satisfied."
Listen to everyone.
Have someone experienced critique your style and execution.
He who will sacrifice the most for the battle will win every time.
Learn to harness your own ability to be aware of everything that happens while shooting. That includes visual, auditory and spatial.
Have fun. If you want to get mad at yourself, take up golf.
Learn humility, and learn from it.
Smooth really is fast.
During major matches don't shoot outside your comfort zone.
If you make a game plan, stick with it.
Watch the super squad every chance you get. Don't just ape them but observe and evaluate.
Learn how to build an accurate shot.
In practice try to go full out, just to see what its like, and then try to go even faster.
Try the 50 yd+ shots in the routine.
Don't get brought down by somebody elses bad attitude, if they don't want to try, then that's their problem.
Full mags all the time, do not put empty ones back in your belt.
Make sure you see all the targets before you shoot and know your plan to shoot them.
If reloading your own ammo, know that it is all good, if in doubt buy an electronic scale and weigh it, and chamber check it.
Have an "on the line" routine especially in practice, go through in your mind the same thought everytime before the timer starts.
Zero the sights.
Understand the COF, and know what has to be done.
Calling your shots saves time.
When you shoot faster than you can see you are gambling.
The more you practice the "hard" shots in practice, the better the nerves are on match day.
Never take anything for granted, make sure you know everything is A OK.
Whiners SUCK!!! It is about getting to shoot guns and have fun, right? Leave the bad attitudes at home.
You cannot miss fast enough.
Find a spot on the target. Shoot that spot.
Learn how to stop smoothly and be shooting when or before you stop. (this is my current "thing")
Don't look for bullet holes!!!
Pick one or two things you want to improve and think about them all the time. If you can't visualize yourself doing the "thing", it is very hard to actually do it.
Too many people "tune out" the RO when they are preparing too shoot. Always pay close attention to the RO when you come to the line. Look them straight in the eyes when they are taking to you. Nod your head or whatever, but communicate with the RO. This will save you MUCH GRIEF someday.
If you aren't having fun, you are doing "something" wrong.
If you're shooting minor, you MUST get A's.
Aim small, miss small.
Make a checklist for your match gear so you don't spend the drive wondering if you forgot something.
Bring water and a lite snack to keep your energy up.
Plan ahead for colder and warmer weather than you're expecting.
If you're planning an unconventionally angled shot, ask the RO BEFORE you shoot if HE considers it a 180 violation. It's too late afterwards.
Dry fire groups on tiny targets in addition to your action dry fire drills. It helps more than know.
You must be able to shoot on the move with conidence.
You need positive actions in your head, not negative ones. Think, "I will hit the A zone twice" NOT, "I better not hit the no shoot."
Don't be afraid to challenge the RO on a hit. You might win. If you know it's there, argue for it politely and professionally.
Have you stage plan DOWN. A well executed plan always beats a miracle plan than you can barely remember. Confidience is in simplicity.
None enough practice enough.
Bring equipment that works. Never show up to a match with the same "stuff" that didn't work last time. Know that you gun, ammo and mags function.
Learn to call the shot. Know where the bullet will hit by reading the sights.
It is impossible to miss if the sights are in proper alignment with each other and the target...when the bullet leaves the barrel.
Most all the things that are blamed on equipment...turn out to be the shooter. (But hey...we need a good reason to buy new stuff!)
Progress comes from within.
Never do a standing reload. They are worse than misses.
Misses suck! You get no points...you just waste time. Use your time to get hits.
Take however much time you need to get a "good hit".
I "hope" is a miss.
A "good hit" in Minor power factor is an Alpha. A "good hit" in Major is a Charlie or better.
There are no Charlie hits on steel.
Economy of motion is vital.
Shoot ammo that you KNOW makes major PF, not ammo that you HOPE makes major PF. Cutting it close is not worth the anxiety.
"Equipment that works" does not necessarily mean the most expensive equipment. It just needs to work, every time, regardless of cost.
Spend most of your shooting budget on ammo, not new guns.
The most important shot on the stage is the one you're taking NOW!
While drawing, keep your shoulders level, don't move head too much.
When transitioning from target-to-target, keep your upper body position the same. Rotate at the hips, waist, knees, ankles and toes.
Give yourself an advantage. Drink water, eat sensibly, get into the shade.
Think positive. You know you can do it, so just do it!
Think about every little thing while practicing.
Don't think at all during the match ---->trust.
Think positive thoughts. Leave your Ego at home.
Learn something new at every match.
Have fun, you are not at work.
Never change anything before a match. I had squadmates at the Nationals buying the latest/greatest techmo device and putting it on on the safety area. Stupid.
On the first stage turn it back to 90%. In fact try that for the whole match.
Know your split times since that's the only way to say is A or B faster.
Practice accuracy relentlessly. If not, you will not win, it will catch up with you.
Buy a wagon, cart or gun bearer. A chair is good too.
Relax.
Negative thought and people are to be avoided.
A clean gun/glasses/equipment is an advantage.
Don't get hung up on a .8 draw. That won't win a match by itself.
Pro Grip/Grip tape/modified grip Nuff said.
Reloading is a skill. Get good at it. Its part of the win.
Thank your RO.
When your plan goes away. Relax and shoot the sight. Don't rush or try to make up time. You will lose then.
Never give up. Your competition could also have a 20 second jam on the next stage.
Shoot with confidence. Confidence is developed in practice and is NOT cockiness.
Don't be afraid to ask someone better or worse than you for advice. I would lean more to the better but when you quit learning, well....
NEVER "double tap" a target. Each shot gets it's own sight picture.
When you get GOOD, share what you know. That's how you pay back those that helped you.
Pay attention, to everything at all times.
When you make a mistake or blow a stage, or even tank a match...Find something to learn from it and move on.
When all else fails. Shoot the sights, no matter what.
Keep your mind open.
Once you get a stage plan in your head, do not change it after watching another shooter do something differently. UNLESS...you are absolutely CERTAIN you can apply it without any hesitation or uncertainty. The plan you have SET is almost always better.
If you arrive early to help set up a club match, you can really get a good feel for the stages. And, it's the right thing to do.
And lastly but not least from me. "Aligning the sights correctly for the first shot is faster than having to make up for a miss!"